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I would like to get more information about the lens hood. I have one and I see them used, but I'm not sure what they do exactly. I would like any info on how to use it and what it is for?

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8/12/2007 3:11:35 PM

Michael A. Bielat

Aside from looking cool and making your equipment look more expensive, the lens hood actually does some cool stuff for you.It is mostly for use outside in the sun because lens hoods prevent the light from hitting the lens at extreme angles and causing the light to bounce around inside creating images that look like they have no contrast in them whatsoever. It also does stuff to remove lens flare, which is usually not something people want in their photos.Having one on your camera also protects the lens and makes it tougher for the glass to get scratched and makes it tough to get finger prints on it and so forth. A lens hood "should" come with every lens but that isnt always the case.

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8/12/2007 8:10:19 PM

Karen l. Monte

Thank You so much! Greatly appreciate your response.

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8/13/2007 5:52:39 AM

Simon A. Stone

i sell cameras all day, and I always tell people that it protects the lens. and shades the lens from glare, then without fail they ask when they should use one, and I say anytime you would wear a hat, it's like a hat for your camera. it keeps the sun out of its eyes.

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8/14/2007 6:25:37 AM

Jerry & Karen Bengtson

You should always use your lens hood. Even indoors. You can still get light reflecting off your lens from indoor lights. So you want to use your lens hood anytime you use your camera.

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8/14/2007 6:55:09 AM

Paul S. Fleming

Hi Karen, With the petal or rubber lens hood be aware if you use an on camera flash (I avoid using this as much as I avoid my wife when she is in a bad mood)if the hood is causing a shadow usually on the bottom of your image. The simple solution of course is if it does, just take off the hood. Please remember to put the hood back on as it is great protection for the lens. I know from personal experience. BTW the hood will not help if you shoot directly into the sun. You will have a lot of flair and washout in your pictures. Happy shooting, "ps" Fleming

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8/14/2007 4:02:02 PM

Oliver Anderson

I put COOL stickers on mine...LOL Thats what I thought it was for.

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8/14/2007 10:40:01 PM

Karen l. Monte

I just want to thank you all for answering this,very informative!Karen